Revelstoke 8th healthiest community in B.C.

A strong showing for Revelstoke in 2010 on a provincial socio-economic index had Revelstoke city councillors praising the qualities of our community.

Revelstoke ranked eighth out of 77 communities in the BC Stats 2010 overall ranking of Local Heath Authorities (LSA) in B.C. The composite index is a summary of social and economic conditions based on a wide variety of indices combined into one single ranking. Here are the main indices and Revelstoke’s ranking; the higher the number out of 77, the better: human economic hardship (67), crime (68), health (57), education (66), children (54) and youth (72).

“I actually got quite excited when I read this,” mayor David Raven said of the report at a Nov. 8 council meeting. “We’re doing exceptionally well on that ranking. This obviously speaks to the lifestyle in Revelstoke.”

Coun. Phil Welock noted Revelstoke stood out amongst resort communities. “Besides Golden and ourselves the other resort communities don’t rate nearly as high as we did, and I think that’s a credit to the people of the city of Revelstoke,” he said.

Coun. Chris Johnston asked about our lowest score, which was children (54). While the overall number is relatively good, an exploration of the sub-indices more clearly delineates successes and challenges.

Revelstoke was top in B.C. in reading skills (77), but scored low in infant mortality rates, finishing at 21. Other scores were children 2-14 on income assistance (52); children aged 0-12 months on income assistance (34); children in care (49); and serious juvenile crime (49).

The report from economic development director Alan Mason was received for information. The stats will be brought forward to the city’s social development committee for discussion.

Local Health Authorities are community-level sub-regions. In the Lower Mainland they are often a municipality, such as Langley or New Westminister. In rural areas, they are often centred on a large community and its surrounding area, while in remote areas they are geographically based, such as the Arrow Lakes.